TRACK 7:
Local Clean Energy from Distributed Sources
We meet our needs through a variety of resources. By taking a look at solar, wind, biofuels and more, we realize the benefits of distributed sources.
Sponsored by: Rhode Island Renewable Energy Fund
SESSIONS |
Creating Jobs While Investing in Clean Energy
Wednesday 11:00-12:30
Estimates range from 2 to 4 million new jobs being created in the burgeoning clean energy sector over the next decade. What steps can state and local governments take to help foster new, high wage jobs in their communities? What role does organized labor have in developing a skilled, highly trained workforce? And what can the private sector do to support the emergence of new jobs?No longer, can a serious argument be made that pursuit of a sustainable energy strategy will ‘bankrupt’ the American economy or ‘damage’ our way of life. In fact, an increasing number of Governors and other public officials in the Northeast are recognizing the economic benefits of clean energy sector. This session will explore successful models (bond referendum, clean tech clusters, public support for energy technologies, and venture capital deployment strategies) at the state and municipal level that are leading to job creation within the clean energy sector.
Session Chair:
Richard Eidlin, Apollo Alliance
Session Speakers:
Richard Eidlin, Apollo Alliance
Mark Dyen, Conservation Services Group
Martin E. Aikens, IBEW 103
George Sterzinger, Renewable Energy Policy Project
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Communicating the Vision
Wednesday 2:00-3:30
"EarthfamilyAlpha" a blog by Austin Energy's Michael Osborne, incorporates art, poetry, literature, personal musings, and current events to incite, inspire, amuse, and convince his audience. “With the advent of advanced global communication, new forms of social contract can be created which transcend the geographic state. These new cybercoops or cyberstates will bring humankind to higher levels of cooperation and understanding.” Austin's futuristic energy initiatives are changing public opinion.
Session Chair:
Amelia Amon, Alt.Technica
Session Speakers:
Amelia Amon, Alt.Technica
Michael Osborne, Austin Energy / EarthFamilyAlpha
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Wind Energy, Small Projects
Wednesday 4:00-5:30
Large-scale wind farm projects dominate the news, but did you know that smaller wind energy projects for distributed generation are becoming more popular? At this session, hear form companies and organizations that have done this and others that are actively advancing a wind project for onsite electricity generation and consumption. This is an important session for those considering a similar project to creatively diversify their electricity supply.
Session Chair:
James L. Christo, Massachusetts Technology Collaborative
Session Speakers:
Martin E. Aikens, IBEW Local 103
Henry duPont, Lorax Energy Systems, LLC
Richard Griffin, Richard Griffin Architect
Kevin M. Schulte, Sustainable Energy Development, Inc.
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Bio-Fuels
Thursday 8:30-10:30
An update on the use of biofuels in the Northeast.
Session will include info on:
1) Current research- by national labs DOE and EPA on emissions, supply and uses.
2) Applications- by various groups and individuals with experience in biodiesel, bioheating fuel and waste vegetable oils.
3) Distribution experience - by frontline heating oil and transportation fuel suppliers.
Find out why biofuels are now a better and cheaper product than conventional fuels and how you can quickly use them now.
Session Chair:
Drew Gillett, PE, Solar Engineers
Session Speaker:
Thomas A. Butcher, PhD, Brookhaven National Laboratory
The Legislative Process – How it Can Support Renewable Energy
Thursday 10:30-12:00
Ever wondered why some states offer solar tax credits, rebates and other renewable energy incentives, while others do not? Often, the answer is ‘politics’. To be more precise, the likelihood of any state enacting renewable energy friendly policies is greatly influenced by how the legislature views the issue, and in turn how active the public is in advocating for such policies. This session will focus on how renewable energy legislation initiatives come to make their way through the legislative and rule making process. The session will explore such questions as: what factors (job creation, revenue generation, national security, clean air, energy independence) do legislators consider when debating net metering, tax credits, rebates and portfolio standards? What are the political dimensions of these initiatives being adopted? What coalitions could be developed to support these initiatives? What roles can the general public and renewable energy organizations play? This session will include Northeastern legislators and policy advocates, who are active in supporting renewable energy related legislation.
Session Chair:
Richard Eidlin, Apollo Alliance
Session Speakers:
Richard Eidlin, Apollo Alliance
Jim Marzilli, Massachusetts State Representative
James Moore, VPIRG
Responding To Climate Change
Thursday 2:00-3:30
Extensive scientific evidence beckons an urgent call to action from the international community to accelerate the mitigation of global climate change by developing a long-term plan (2050) that includes short-term goals. In order to transition into a sustainable future, governments, institutions, and businesses must collaborate more effectively to promptly implement technologies and policies that reduce carbon emissions and support clean energy development. Time is running out.
Session Chair:
Robert Gemmel, NOVA WGBH-TV
Session Speaker:
William Moomaw, PhD, Tufts University
Solar Jigsaw II: Integrating and Deploying Solar Electric Elements in Outstanding Buildings
Thursday 4:00-5:30
Integrating and deploying solar electric and other solar elements in ways that work is like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. Everything has to fit together into a pleasing and functional "whole after short presentations by each speaker, this session will feature an lively, interactive panel to explore effective and aesthetic incorporation of these solar technologies in new and existing buildings. Emphasis will be on effective deployment and integration of solar electric on and in roofs for both residential and commercial buildings.
Session Chair:
Bart Bales, Bales Energy Associates & Solar Works, Inc.
Session Speakers:
Steven J. Strong, Solar Design Associates
Miles C. Russell, RWE Schott Solar
Bart Bales, Bales Energy Associates & Solar Works, Inc.